Urs at Galiyakot

LOCATION : Galiyakot in Dungarpur district

TIME OF THE YEAR : 27th day of Moharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar)

HIGHLIGHTS : special ceremonies

SIGNIFICANCE : Death anniversary of Saint Sayyed Fakhruddin.

Galiyakot is a small village in Dungarpur District. It is significant for a a sect of the Ismaili Shia Muslims. The pilgrims gather at Galiyakot at the memorial of the great saint, Sayyed Fakhruddin. The pilgrims gather here not only from different states in India but also from foreign countries.

Urs is celebrated on the 27th day of Moharram, the first month according to the Muslim calendar. The devotees come from far and wide to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the saint. They make offerings that include fruits, coconut, sweets and jaggery. The prayer they perform to get their wishes fulfilled is called mannat. Devotees come to the shrine even after their wishes are fulfilled.

During the fair, the tomb is ornated with flowers and lit up with lamps. The ceremonies start with the mass prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran. Songs are sung in the praise of the saint by a devotional gathering (majlis). The ceremonies of the Urs are lead by the religious head of the gathering.